Combat Search

and Rescue

Air Force Doctrine Document 21.6

30 September 1998

BY ORDER OF THE
SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE DOCTRINE DOCUMENT 21.6

30 SEPTEMBER 1998

Supersedes: AFDD 34, 30 December 1994

OPR: HQ AFDC/DR (Maj Richard W. Feeser, USAF)
Certified by: HQ AFDC/DR (Lt Col Thomas A. Bowermeister, USAF)
Pages: 52
Distribution: F
Approved by: Maj Gen Timothy A. Kinnan, USAF
Commander, Air Force Doctrine Center

FOREWORD
This document establishes operational doctrine for Air Force combat search and rescue
(CSAR) operations and
outlines the principles
and procedures which
guide Air Force CSAR
organization, command
and control, force composition, employment,
and planning considerations. The Air Force
organizes, trains, and
equips personnel to conduct CSAR and search
and rescue (SAR) operations across the range of military operations. The Air Force has a rich
history in CSAR operations dating back to World War II. Air Force combat
rescue philosophy is based on maintaining a capability to recover combat
aircrews and other isolated personnel from hostile or denied areas. This
philosophy further assumes rescue forces are placed at risk to recover
personnel. Successful CSAR enhances the joint force commanders (JFC)
combat capability by returning personnel to areas under friendly control
and denying adversaries the opportunity to exploit the intelligence and
propaganda value of captured personnel. Additionally, the presence of a
robust and viable CSAR force increases morale and, ultimately, operational performance.

TIMOTHY A. KINNAN
Major General, USAF
Commander, Air Force Doctrine Center
30 September 1998

ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................... v
CHAPER ONEOverview .................................................................... 1
General ............................................................................................... 1
Air Force CSAR History ...................................................................... 2
Missions .............................................................................................. 3
CSAR Benefits ..................................................................................... 4
CHAPTER TWOOrganization and Command and Control ......... 5
General ............................................................................................... 5
Combat Rescue Forces Command Authority ...................................... 5
Joint Force Commanders ................................................................... 6
Joint Force Air Component Commander ........................................... 6
Commander, Air Force Forces ............................................................ 7
Joint Search And Rescue Center ........................................................ 8
Rescue Coordination Center ............................................................... 8
CHAPTER THREEAir Force CSAR Elements ................................ 9
Rescue Coordination Center ............................................................... 9
Director, Rescue Coordination Center .............................................. 10
Search and Rescue Duty Officer ....................................................... 10
Unit Commanders ............................................................................ 10
Isolated Personnel ............................................................................. 11
Combat Search and Rescue Task Force .............................................. 11
Airborne Mission Commander ..................................................... 13
On-scene Commander .................................................................. 13
Recovery Vehicles ......................................................................... 14
Fixed-wing Rescue Assets ............................................................. 14
Individual Pararescue Specialist ................................................... 14
Rescue Escort ............................................................................... 15
Rescue Combat Air Patrol ............................................................. 15
Forward Air Controller ................................................................. 16
Other Forces ................................................................................. 16
Special Tactics Teams ................................................................... 16
CHAPTER FOURConcept of Operations ..................................... 17
General ............................................................................................. 17
Notification ....................................................................................... 18
Initial Response ................................................................................ 18
Air Force CSAR Capabilities ............................................................. 19
Threat Environments ....................................................................... 20

iii

Employment Considerations ............................................................ 22

Mission Planning .............................................................................. 22
Locating Isolated Personnel .............................................................. 23
Search Operations ............................................................................. 23
Authentication .................................................................................. 23
Risk Management ............................................................................. 24
CHAPTER FIVECSAR Planning and Support
Considerations ............................................................................... 27
Operational Considerations .............................................................. 27
Intelligence ....................................................................................... 27
Global Geospatial Information And Services ................................... 28
Communications .............................................................................. 28
Support Planning .............................................................................. 29
Deployment Characteristics ......................................................... 29
Air Force RCC Mobility Requirements ........................................ 29
Operations Security .......................................................................... 30
Military Deception ............................................................................ 30
Climate and Weather ........................................................................ 30
Astronomical Conditions .................................................................. 31
Safety and Risk Management ........................................................... 31
Technological Considerations ........................................................... 31
CHAPTER SIXTraining and Education ........................................ 33
Commanders Responsibilities ......................................................... 33
Aircrews ............................................................................................ 33
RCC Controllers ................................................................................ 34
Exercises ........................................................................................... 34
Summary .......................................................................................... 34
Suggested Readings ............................................................................ 37
Glossary ............................................................................................... 38

iv

INTRODUCTION
Those who are possessed of a definitive body of doctrine and of
deeply rooted convictions upon it will be in a much better position
to deal with the shifts and surprises of daily affairs than those
who are merely taking short views
Winston Churchill

PURPOSE
Air Force Doctrine Document (AFDD) 21.6 provides Air Force doctrine for combat search and rescue (CSAR) operations and supports basic
aerospace power doctrine. It replaces AFDD 34 dated 30 December 1994.

APPLICATION
This AFDD applies to all active duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National
Guard, and civilian Air Force personnel. This doctrine is authoritative but
not directive. Commanders are encouraged to exercise judgment in applying this doctrine to accomplish their missions.

SCOPE
This document establishes the roles and responsibilities of Air Force
personnel supporting CSAR operations and outlines the principles for planning and executing CSAR operations supporting theater campaign objectives. It describes the mission, command relationships, force composition, and planning considerations necessary to conduct operations. It also
discusses the relationship between the Air Force component and joint
combat search and rescue organizations and discusses the role of the Commander, Air Force Forces (COMAFFOR), as well as CSAR organization,
responsibilities, capabilities, and procedures.

CHAPTER ONE

OVERVIEW
Preserving the life and well-being of our Service members and
civilians who are placed in harms way while defending out Nations
interests is, and must remain one of our highest priorities.
William J. Perry, Secretary of Defense
Secretary of Defense memorandum, 26 January 1996

GENERAL
Air Force CSAR is a specific task performed by rescue forces to
effect the recovery of distressed personnel during major theater
war or military operations other than war (MOOTW). Accomplished
with a mix of dedicated and augmenting assets, CSAR is an element of
personnel recovery (PR). PR is the umbrella term for operations focusing
on recovering captured, missing, or isolated personnel from danger. The
Air Force organizes, trains, and equips personnel to conduct CSAR operations across the range of military operations. However, downed crewmembers
(DCMs) are the most likely Air Force personnel to require a US Air Force CSAR
effort during military operations. As such, our CSAR doctrine focuses on DCM
recovery.
Joint force commanders (JFCs), who may be commanders in chief
(CINCs), subunified commanders, or joint task force (JTF) commanders,
normally delegate the responsibility to recover isolated personnel to joint
force component commanders. Component commanders of a joint
force have primary authority and responsibility to plan and conduct CSAR in support of their own operations. The COMAFFOR
should establish a rescue coordination center (RCC) to coordinate Air Force
CSAR activities, including coordination with the joint search and rescue
center (JSRC) and other component RCCs, as appropriate. The Air Force
component RCC should normally be collocated with the air operations center
(AOC) to optimize integration and be manned with personnel specifically trained
to coordinate CSAR operations. CSAR and SAR organizational requirements
may vary between theaters due to operational requirements and procedures.

Lt Devon Jones being rescued after his F14 was shot down over
Iraq.
By direction of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), theater combatant commanders should establish a standing JSRC or
functional equivalent. They normally maintain a capability to coordinate and control theater rescue efforts by designating one of the established component commanders responsible to manage and control joint
CSAR operations. This component commander should be designated the
supported commander for joint CSAR.

AIR FORCE CSAR HISTORY

The Air Force has a rich history in CSAR operations dating back
to the Army Air Force (AAF) period of World War II. Heavy combat
losses in the European Theater prompted AAF leaders to join efforts with
the Royal Air Force Air-Sea Rescue Organization in demonstrating the
first United States (US) aviation rescue capability. In the Pacific Theater,
each unit developed its own rescue capability to meet unique requirements. By 1946, the Army Air Force had consolidated search and rescue
operations and training under the Air Rescue Service (ARS). Credited with
nearly 1,000 combat rescues during the Korean conflict, the ARS was redesignated as the Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service (ARRS) in 1964.
During the Vietnam conflict, ARRS units were credited with saving 4,120
lives, of which 2,780 were combat saves. After Vietnam, the ARRS established the Air Force RCC and began providing missile site support to Stra2

tegic Air Command and logistic support to remote Air

Force sites. In 1983, ARRS
was merged with Air Force
special operations forces to
form the 23d Air Force under Military Airlift Command (MAC). In 1989, Headquarters Air Rescue Service
was activated under MAC to
rebuild a dedicated combat
rescue capability. In 1993,
ARS was inactivated and the
air rescue forces were transferred to the Combat Air
Forces (CAF).

MISSIONS

Bat 21

s the flight continued its right

turn to depart the target area, another
site began tracking the aircraft. It was located northwest, just above the DMZ. Bat
21 was between the site and the bombers,
and was level at twenty-nine thousand feet.
The site launched three missiles at the formation. One of the [electronic warfare officers] EWOs on Bat 21 electronically observed the site as it began tracking his aircraft, and he detected the [surface-to-air
missile] SAM missile launches. He called a
warning to the flight. For self-protection,
the crew of Bat 21 began electronic jamming, and the pilot initiated a right jink
turn into the missile. The EWO then called,
No, no, move left, move left! and the pilot tried to reverse his turn. It was too late.
The missile smashed into the middle underside of the aircraft, and the resulting
explosion enveloped it in a massive ball of
fire. The other aircraft escaped the barrage
of missiles.

Air Force combat rescue

forces deploy to conduct
Lt Col Iceal Hambleton, the navigator
CSAR with dedicated rotaryof Bat 21, was seated just behind the piand fixed-wing aircraft, spelotthe EB66 did not have a position for
a copilot. The missile hit right below
cially trained aircrews, and
Hambletons seat and knocked out the insupport personnel in retercom system. As the aircraft began to drop
sponse to theater CINC
out of control, the pilot gave Hambleton a
hand signal to eject. Hambleton squeezed
taskings. The primary misthe ejection handles and rocketed away
sion of Air Force CSAR is
from the aircraft. As he rose in his ejection
to recover downed
seat, he looked down and saw the pilot looking up at him. A few seconds later, he heard
crewmembers and other
another loud explosion. It occurred to him
isolated personnel. Rescue
later that either the aircraft had exploded
forces may also conduct color it had been hit by a second missile. ...Bat
21 Bravo descended with pieces of the airlateral missions unique to
craft falling around him.
their capabilities, such as civil
Darrell D. Whitcomb
SAR, emergency aeromedical
The Rescue of Bat 21
evacuation, disaster relief, international aid, noncombatant evacuation operations
(NEO), counterdrug activities, and space shuttle support. Basic aircraft and
aircrew qualification permits aircrews to conduct rescue operations during MOOTW.

CSAR BENEFITS
Air Force combat rescue philosophy is based on maintaining a capability to recover combat aircrews and other isolated personnel. This philosophy assumes rescue forces, like other combat forces, will be placed at risk
to recover personnel. Successful Air Force CSAR enhances the JFCs
combat capability in at least three ways. First, CSAR operations return
key personnel to friendly control, allowing them to fight again. Secondly,
CSAR operations often influence the course of national and international
politics by denying adversaries the opportunity to exploit the intelligence and
propaganda value of captured personnel. Lastly, the presence of a robust
and viable CSAR force increases morale, with a resultant increase in operational performance.

CHAPTER TWO

ORGANIZATION AND
COMMAND AND CONTROL
Order or disorder depends on organization.
Sun Tzu

GENERAL
Air Force combat rescue forces and coordination responsibilities are assigned to CAF major commands (MAJCOMs)Air Combat Command (ACC), Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), and United States Air
Forces in Europe (USAFE). During contingencies, these relationships
change according to the particular operational plan (OPLAN) or tasking
being executed. CAF-gained rescue forces from the air reserve component (ARC) are assigned to Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command
(AFRC), and the Air National Guard (ANG), respectively, until mobilization. Upon mobilization, CAF-gained AFRC/ANG forces are normally attached to the appropriate CAF MAJCOM until change of operational control (OPCON) to the employing commander.
ACC is the Air Force proponent for the CSAR mission. The ACC
Commander (COMACC) exercises authority over all active duty US Air
Force continental United States (CONUS) rescue forces. This authority includes responsibility for organizing, training, equipping, and administering
assigned forces, and providing these forces to the theater CINCs. COMACC
exercises this authority through subordinate numbered air forces (NAFs)
and unit commanders. ACC is also the executive agent for CONUS inland
search and rescue. Theater CAF commanders exercise authority over all
active duty overseas rescue forces assigned to their theaters through respective NAF and subordinate commanders.

COMBAT RESCUE FORCES COMMAND AUTHORITY

A detailed discussion on the provisions of joint command can be found
in Joint Pub 02, Unified Action Armed Forces. This document details the
assignment and purposes of the different types of command authority,
including combatant command (command authority) (COCOM), OPCON,
5

tactical control (TACON), and coordinating authority. Normally, JFCs assign the appropriate level of authority over forces to the supported commander for joint CSAR in accordance with the guidelines in Joint Pub 0
2. If designated as the supported CSAR commander, the COMAFFOR
or Air Force officer serving as joint force air component commander
(JFACC) will normally exercise OPCON over Air Force CSAR forces
and TACON over other forces involved in a joint CSAR operation.

JOINT FORCE COMMANDERS

JFCs have the primary authority and responsibility for CSAR in
support of US forces within their assigned area of responsibility
(AOR), including civilian personnel, such as Civil Reserve Air Fleet
(CRAF) crew members and deployed technical representatives. Therefore, JFCs should establish a standing JSRC to plan, coordinate, and task components to support CSAR operations, review theater plans, and coordinate
training and exercises. Since CSAR is inherently joint and transcends component functional responsibilities and organizational boundaries, the JSRC
should be staffed appropriately by each component to coordinate joint
rescue requirements. During planning and execution, JFCs should ensure appropriate host-nation policies, laws, regulations, and capabilities
are taken into consideration. JFCs should also ensure joint force component commanders support CSAR operations of the other components, to
the maximum extent possible.

JOINT FORCE AIR COMPONENT COMMANDER

Unity of effort through centralized control of theater air assets is the
most effective way to employ airpower. The JFACC provides a JFC the
means to exploit the capabilities of air and space power in a theater air campaign. The JFACC is normally the component commander with
the preponderance of air assets and the C4I infrastructure to support joint air
operations. The JFACCs responsibilities and command authority assigned
by the JFC include planning, coordinating, recommending apportionment,
and tasking based on the JFCs apportionment decision. Using the JFCs
guidance and authority in coordination with other component and assigned or supporting commanders, the JFACC recommends to the JFC
apportionment of air sorties to various missions or geographic areas.
The supported commander for joint CSAR should be the commander
with the preponderance of dedicated CSAR forces and the command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) capability to con6

trol them. This commander should have overall responsibility and authority for planning, coordinating, and controlling joint SAR and CSAR operations within the geographical area assigned to the joint force, using those
assets made available by the joint force. If the JFACC is designated as the
supported commander for joint CSAR, the JFACC recommendation would
include sorties required to conduct planned or projected CSAR operations.

COMMANDER, AIR FORCE FORCES

The COMAFFOR has the primary authority and responsibility
to plan and conduct Air Force CSAR in support of CINC war plans.
The planning of such operations should take into account the availability and
capability of other components of the joint force, to include the United States
Coast Guard, if available. The Air Force has traditionally been tasked to
conduct the CSAR mission in support of theater joint air requirements.
Today, the Air Force organizes, trains, equips, and provides a dedicated
CSAR force, which includes aircraft, aircrews, and support personnel. The
Air Force also has an established command and control mechanism, normally within the AOC to support CSAR operations. COMAFFOR responsibilities relating to CSAR normally include:
J Exercising OPCON of assigned Air Force rescue forces,
J Establishing an RCC or CSAR office of primary responsibility with clearly
defined responsibilities,
J Ensuring all Air Force personnel committed to a hostile environment
are familiar with tactics employed by rescue forces during recovery
operations,
J Ensuring intelligence data to support planning and training for evasion and recovery (E&R) is available and disseminated to all personnel
who have the potential of becoming isolated,
J Providing mutual support to sister Service rescue operations as directed
by the JFC,
J Providing command and theater-specific rescue tactics, planning, and
intelligence data to subordinate commands and gained units,
J Preparing rescue concept of operations plans or annexes to theater
OPLANs or directives, and,
J Providing the JSRC with Air Force component capabilities, limitations,
and standard operating procedures for dissemination to other components, as appropriate.
7

JOINT SEARCH AND RESCUE CENTER

The Joint Search And Rescue Center (JSRC) plans, coordinates,
and tasks components to support CSAR missions, reviews theater
plans, and coordinates training and exercises. Though staffed suitably by each component, the primary responsibilities of JSRC controllers are
to coordinate CSAR operations between component RCCs, prevent duplication
of CSAR efforts, and to facilitate the efficient exchange of information. CSAR
support is based on real time operations and requires extensive coordination with other joint air assets and support functions. If the JFACC is
designated the supported commander for joint CSAR, the JSRC should be
fully integrated into the JFACCs joint air operations center (JAOC).

RESCUE COORDINATION CENTER

The COMAFFOR should establish a Rescue Coordination Center
(RCC) integrated with the AOC to coordinate Air Force CSAR activities. If the COMAFFOR does not establish a RCC, these responsibilities will be delegated to a functional equivalent. In either case, a trained
search and rescue mission controller is responsible for coordinating Air
Force CSAR forces. When the COMAFFOR is designated the JFACC, and supported commander for joint CSAR, the Air Force RCC may form the nucleus
for the JSRC.
NOTE: Specific JSRC and RCC responsibilities and procedures are outlined in Joint Pubs 350.2, Doctrine for Joint Combat Search and Rescue;
350.21, Joint Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for Combat Search and Rescue; and 350.3, Joint Doctrine for Evasion and Recovery.

CHAPTER THREE

AIR FORCE CSAR ELEMENTS

The distinctive character of imprisonment in a North Vietnam
prison camp was the suffocating monotony the pervasive
sameness of the routine, over and over, day in and day out.
Robbie Risner
Prisoner of War (POW) for more than seven years

RESCUE COORDINATION CENTER

The Air Force components RCC is the hub of Air Force rescue
activities. Air Force units requesting CSAR support will notify the RCC which
initially assumes duties as the CSAR mission coordinator. RCC controller
duties include the following:
J Initiating CSAR planning,
J Maintaining real time intelligence information on systems posing
threats to CSAR activities,
J Designating isolated personnel reports (ISOPREP) control points,
J Obtaining ISOPREP data and evasion plans of action (EPAs) from units,
J Coordinating tasking among Air Force CSAR-capable forces,
J Coordinating CSAR activities with the JSRC, supporting agencies, and
the requesting unit,
J Informing the JSRC if Air Force forces are capable of executing the
mission, and
J Requesting additional recovery forces through the JSRC if Air Force
CSAR forces are unable to execute the CSAR mission single-Service.
The RCC is also responsible for reviewing and developing CSAR and
evasion and recovery appendices to Annex C (Operations) for Air Force
supporting OPLANs, concept plans, and operational orders.
9

DIRECTOR, RESCUE
COORDINATION CENTER

CSAR in the
Korean War

The COMAFFOR directs Air

Force CSAR operations through
the director of the RCC. The director of the Air Force RCC is responsible for the day-to-day operations of
the RCC. If the COMAFFOR is designated the JFACC and responsible
for joint CSAR operations, the director of the RCC will normally be designated the director of the JSRC.
Additionally, that person will still be
responsible for Air Force RCC operations.

ertainly what must rank as one

of the more bizarre rescues of
the Korean Warit involved
bridges, horsemen, and a bulletriddled pickup on icehappened
to Marine Major David Cleeland.
On his one hundred and first aerial
mission Cleeland had just blown
up a bridge when he took a hit in
his Corsair and crashed on a thick
cap of ice. Chinese Reds poured
rifle fire at him, but he took refuge under his planes wreckage. Finally they sent a Communist soldier after himon horseback!
Cleeland shot the man and then
waited until a rescue helo could
get to the scene. As the craft hovered, forty-eight-year-old Airman
Second Class Thomas C. (Pop)
Thornton stretched out his right
hand to meet Cleelands and pull
him aboard. A Red bullet smashed
Pops hand. Half crazed from the
searing pain, he still had the presence of mind, and the ingrained
dedication to helping his fellow
man, to reach out with his other
hand and haul the Marine pilot in.
The Sikorskys right wheel was
shot away as it lifted off, its gas
tank was hit, and the tail rotor was
damaged, but the pickup was carried out, and everyone made it
back to safety.

SEARCH AND RESCUE

DUTY OFFICER

The Search And Rescue Duty

Officer (SARDO) provides an effective means of communication
between the RCC and the AOC.
The SARDO, who should be collocated with the AOC and normally
works in the combat operations division, coordinates quick response assets to support CSAR operations. The
SARDO requests assets from ongoing operations (forward air controlL.B. Taylor, Jr.
ler (FAC), close air support (CAS),
That Others May Live:
combat air patrol (CAP), etc.) or
The Aerospace Rescue and
Recovery Service
from those on ready alert through
the AOC. TACON of these assets
may be transferred to the airborne
mission commander (AMC) and/or the on-scene commander (OSC).

UNIT COMMANDERS
Unit commanders should be prepared, based on inherent capabilities, to launch dedicated and augmenting CSAR assets to sup10

port their own operations or provide mutual CSAR support to other

units. CSAR support should be concurrently planned with ongoing offensive
and defensive combat operations while accounting for the capabilities of
other units. All CSAR requirements should be forwarded through established channels to the RCC. Unit commanders should:
J Ensure assigned personnel are familiar with this AFDD as well as joint
CSAR doctrine and joint tactics, techniques, and procedures (JTTP),
and Air Force rescue concepts and procedures,
J Train their personnel in reporting requirements when overflying areas
where isolated personnel are known or suspected to be located, and
J Ensure ISOPREPs and individual/unit evasion plans of action (EPAs)
are properly prepared, classified, current, and safeguarded.

ISOLATED PERSONNEL
Isolated personnel can do much to enhance the success of their own
rescue should the situation warrant. Isolated personnel can best prepare themselves to assist rescue efforts by:
J Completing and periodically reviewing their ISOPREPs,
J Developing, reviewing, and updating EPAs, as required,
J Thoroughly understanding notification and authentication requirements,
J Being intimately familiar with survival equipment and techniques,
J Being familiar with search and rescue concepts of operations and
procedures in order to assist CSAR forces to the maximum extent, and
J Remaining mentally and physically prepared to survive and evade
for indefinite periods.

COMBAT SEARCH AND RESCUE TASK FORCE

A Combat Search and Rescue Task Force (CSARTF) is a mutually supporting package of assets tailored to meet a specific CSAR requirement.
The CSARTF was used extensively and effectively during the Southeast
Asia conflict and on a more limited basis during the Gulf War. Although
rescue assets may operate autonomously, CSAR capabilities and mission outcomes can be significantly enhanced by employing carefully tailored CSARTFs. Augmenting assets provide a variety of ser11

Typical Air Force

Elements of a CSARTF
Clockwise from left: AC130
Spectre, F16 Fighting
Falcons, HH60 Pave Hawk,
E3 Airborne Warning and
Control System, MH53 Pave
Low; A10 Thunderbolt II,
HC130 Combat Shadows,
F15 Eagle.

12

vices to include: command, control, and communications; location and

authentication of isolated personnel; protection of isolated personnel and
task force elements from both air and ground attacks; navigation assistance; armed escort; combat air patrol; and air refueling support. Command and control arrangements and responsibilities must be clearly specified by the RCC or JSRC to ensure proper synergy and to effect successful
CSARTF operation. CSARTFs require thorough premission and real time planning and coordination with participating elements and may consist of any
or all of the following elements:
Airborne Mission Commander
An Airborne Mission Commander (AMC) may be designated by component RCCs or higher authority to coordinate the efforts of several assets. The AMC serves as an extension of the RCC and if required,
designates the OSC. The E3 Airborne Warning and Control Systems
(AWACS), though highly tasked, is the most capable AMC platform due to
its extensive avionics and ability to oversee the air picture. Other
multicrewed assets such as the Navy E2 Hawkeye, EC130 airborne battlefield command and control center (ABCCC), and E8 joint surveillance,
target attack radar system (JSTARS) are also excellent AMC platforms.
The AMC coordinates and controls the flying mission for forces designated to
support a specific CSAR operation.
AMC responsibilities include coordinating the CSARTF radio net, managing the flow of aircraft to and from the objective area, coordinating for additional CSARTF support, and monitoring the tactical air and ground situation
in and around the objective area and CSARTF. The AMC keeps the CSARTF
moving toward the objective. Any member of the CSARTF, to include the rescue vehicle aircraft commander, OSC, rescue escort (RESCORT), or rescue
combat air patrol (RESCAP), can recommend termination of the rescue operation. However, it is the AMCs responsibility to attempt to rectify the
situation by requesting additional support forces or doing whatever else is
necessary to accomplish the mission. Joint Pubs 350.2 and 350.21 further
describe the duties of the AMC in joint operations.
On-scene Commander
The On-scene Commander (OSC) is the individual designated
to control rescue efforts at the rescue site. The RESCORT flight lead
[Sandy 1] is most often designated OSC. However, a wingman or RESCAP
aircrew member may function as the OSC until the arrival of either the
AMC or RESCORT [Sandy] aircraft. Transfer of the OSC role must be clearly

13

understood by all CSARTF participants. The OSC helps to ensure effective asset management in the often chaotic and hostile objective area.
Recovery Vehicles
Typically, a primary and a secondary recovery vehicle are flown
to the objective area to make the pickup. The formation provides a
backup mission aircraft and offers mutual support should the primary
recovery vehicle encounter problems. The secondary recovery vehicle
should be prepared to assume lead responsibilities and accomplish the
recovery should the lead aircraft abort the mission or be unable to perform primary recovery responsibilities. Recovery vehicles may also be
prepositioned to conduct operations from airborne orbits. From a designated point in close proximity to the pickup zone, the recovery vehicle formation lead or aircraft commander will normally be the individual ultimately
responsible for continuing the mission.
Fixed-wing Rescue Assets
Fixed-wing tanker-capable rescue assets are a key element of CSAR
operations and play a critical role in extending the operational range
of air refuelable helicopters. Optimally, fixed-wing rescue assets should
be capable of air-dropping personnel and equipment to isolated personnel
should recovery efforts be protracted. Additionally, airland/transload and
communications capability inherent of fixed-wing rescue assets may increase
the effectiveness and flexibility of a CSARTF mission.
Individual Pararescue Specialist
Individual Pararescue Specialists (PJ) are rescue specialists trained
in emergency trauma medicine, harsh environment survival, and
assisted evasion techniques. PJs are the essential surface/air link in personnel recovery. They provide a rapid response capability and operate in the six
geographic disciplines: mountain, desert, arctic, urban, jungle and water,
day or night, to include friendly, denied, hostile, or sensitive areas. Their
training includes survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE); emergency trauma and field medical care; and security. PJs can move personnel
and material to safety or friendly control when direct recovery by aircraft is
not possible. They employ from rotary or fixed wing assets by landing, or by
alternate insertion and extraction methods (hoist, fast rope, rappel), or by
parachuting (static line and freefall). Their employment may include
deployable watercraft or all-terrain vehicles.

14

Rescue Escort
Ideally, a limited number of Rescue Escort (RESCORT) aircraft should
be dedicated and made available to the CSAR mission. SANDY is the call
sign of a dedicated RESCORT pilot uniquely trained and qualified
in search procedures, authentication techniques, and helicopter
support tactics. The lead RESCORT is normally designated OSC for the
CSAR mission. RESCORT aircraft should be tactical aircraft capable of operating within altitude and endurance regimes similar to that of the recovery
vehicles. RESCORT aircraft protect rescue assets from surface threats to,
from, and in the objective area. RESCORT aircraft also provide navigation
assistance, armed escort, and assist in locating and authenticating isolated personnel. Although slower aircraft (e.g., A10s) are desired for
RESCORT, faster aircraft have also been successfully employed. RESCORT
aircraft normally carry ordnance effective in CSAR operations, such as
rockets, cluster bomb units, and onboard cannon.
Rescue Combat Air Patrol
Rescue Combat Air Patrol (RESCAP) aircraft are air superiority
assets assigned to protect the CSARTF from airborne threats while en
route to and from the objective. Once established, RESCAP aircraft also
maintain patrol over the objective area. RESCAP aircraft may also assist
RESCORT aircraft in locating and authenticating isolated personnel.

SATCOM
Airborne Mission Commander

GPS
RESCAP

A/OA-10 RESCORT
Sandy

HC-130 Tanker

Joint
Search and
Rescue
Center

HH-60G "Jolly Green"

normally includes
pararescue

CSARTF operations may occur in day, night,

or adverse weather conditions. Operations
may also require onboard countermeasures
and force packaging to defeat threats.

Survivor

Figure 3.1. Notional CSARTF Operation

15

Forward Air Controller

A Forward Air Controller (FAC) provides a CSARTF several significant
advantages. A FAC may be able to locate and authenticate the isolated personnel before the arrival of other elements of the CSARTF
and normally functions as the OSC until the CSARTF arrives. The
FAC may also provide a current and accurate assessment of enemy activity in and around the objective area.
Other Forces
Other Air Force forces can aid in locating isolated personnel and
assist in rescue operations. Air Force aircraft systems include the E3
AWACS, EC130 ABCCC, E8 JSTARS, fighters, AC130 gunships, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) aircraft, electronic warfare aircraft,
and other fixed- and rotary-wing support aircraft. Ground-based elements
include control and reporting centers, forward air control posts, tactical
air control parties, and Air Force special tactics teams (STTs). National
assets should be integrated into recovery plans and employed to enhance
rescue efforts.
Special Tactics Teams
Special Tactics Teams (STTs) are ground combat forces assigned to Air
Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). They are composed of combat controllers and PJs specifically organized, trained, and equipped to
facilitate and expedite the utilization of aviation assets and provide CSAR
expertise when requested through appropriate channels.
Special tactics teams provide PR/CSAR planning expertise; facilitate
contact, authentication and mechanical extrication; provide medical treatment at the paramedic level; facilitate movement and exfiltration for the
recovery of personnel; and provide equipment not accessible to conventional CSAR resources. This may include unconventional assisted recoveries involving selected area for evasion (SAFE) servicing and hand-over
operations. Additionally, special tactics teams provide command and control, ground-to-air and point-to-point communications, air traffic control,
terminal attack control, and artillery call for fire in the objective area.
AFDD 27, Special Operations, contains additional information governing
employment of Air Force special operations forces.

16

CHAPTER FOUR
CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
A captured man, he has to know that somebody is always out
there coming after him, he has to have that hope.
Lt Col Horace Reisner
Joint Personnel Rescue Center commander,
Briefing to General William C.Westmoreland

GENERAL
Air Force rescue forces will
receive notification of isolated
GENERAL STAGES
personnel via the theater or
OF CSAR
joint task force command and
control structure. A rescue
could involve an aircrew bailAwareness & Notification
out over hostile territory,
crash landing, ditching at sea,
Situation Assessment
foundering naval vessels, or
ground forces cut off from
friendly lines. Although resMission Planning
cue forces may launch
upon initial notification of
Execution
a CSAR incident, they will
not normally proceed into
Mission Conclusion
medium or higher threat
areas until a positive location and contact can be
made. Additionally, the recovery should not be initiated until
Figure 4.1. General Stages of CSAR
the identity of isolated personnel can be positively authenticated. Single ship operations may be employed, but combat rescue forces
primarily train to employ as two-ship elements using threat avoidance
techniques and onboard defensive systems. A typical rescue might include:

17

J Awareness and notification,

J Assessing the situation,
J Planning the mission,
J Launching the recovery vehicles,
J Refueling at a forward operating location or air refueling prior to ingress,
J Ingressing enemy territory to locate isolated personnel,
J Locating the isolated personnel,
J Authenticating the isolated personnel,
J Recovering the isolated personnel,
J Egressing enemy territory,
J Conducting air refueling, as required, and
J Recovering at a suitable friendly base.

NOTIFICATION
Threat conditions permitting, isolated personnel should attempt to
establish secure radio contact with a wingman, escort aircraft, AWACS,
ABCCC, or any other aircraft in the area using notification procedures
outlined in the special instructions (SPINS) published in the air tasking
order (ATO). In a threat environment, transmissions should be as
brief as possible to avoid detection and compromising location. While
in a permissive environment, transmissions should be long enough to
allow for a direction finder plot of the aircraft or personnel position.

INITIAL RESPONSE
Once an actual or potential CSAR situation is observed, the RCC
should be immediately notified through established channels, or any
means available. Upon notification, the RCC assumes CSAR mission
coordinator responsibilities for missions involving US Air Force
isolated personnel. The RCC will then report the incident to the JSRC. The
RCC also assumes CSAR mission coordinator responsibilities for missions
involving joint or multinational aircrew members if tasked by the JSRC.
In concert with the JSRC, the Air Force RCC coordinates the appropriate
CSAR forces and assets. The RCC or JSRC will notify responding units through
appropriate channels and brief pertinent aspects of the mission. The response

18

CSAR operations
may occur over
land or sea.
time and operations concept will depend on the enemy threat, environmental conditions, available assets, and other factors.

AIR FORCE CSAR CAPABILITIES

Although all Air Force weapon systems have the inherent capability to
support CSAR operations, the Air Force maintains certain rotary- and
fixed-wing aircraft specifically dedicated to personnel rescue and
recovery operations. Specially configured rescue helicopters operate up
through the medium threat environment using threat avoidance procedures,
onboard electronic countermeasures and defensive systems, various forwardlooking infrared (FLIR) and radar systems, and night vision devices. Specially
equipped HC130 tanker-capable aircraft are also apportioned as dedicated CSAR assets. The CAF and some AFSOC variants of these tankercapable aircraft can operate in threat environments up through low threat
using threat avoidance, onboard defensive systems and countermeasures
dispensers, various FLIR and radar systems, and night vision devices. The
primary mission of these tanker aircraft is to extend the range of
rescue helicopters through aerial refueling. However, they are also
capable of deploying PJs, STTs, and/or equipment to provide direct assistance
to isolated personnel if a delay is anticipated in the arrival of a recovery vehicle. Although certain AFSOC MC130 tanker-capable aircraft are capable
of operating in medium or higher threat environments, the vulnerability
of the helicopter and tanker aircraft during air refueling operations generally limits the execution of these operations to low threat areas.
When threat avoidance is not feasible, specially trained aircrews operating RESCORT- and RESCAP-capable aircraft may be employed to sup-

19

press and degrade the threat to permit successful CSAR operations. A

carefully tailored CSARTF can significantly enhance CSAR operations.
The complexity of the package depends on the mission requirements and
enemy threat. Combat rescue in a high-threat environment requires
force packaging to degrade the threat or employment of other forces
trained and equipped to operate in high-threat areas. The AFSOC
operates certain aircraft and STTs that are also CSAR-capable. Elements
of these forces may be made available for CSAR operations through the
joint force special operations component commander (JFSOCC).

THREAT ENVIRONMENTS
A key consideration in CSAR mission planning is the enemy threat.
Real time intelligence data is a critical element in determining enemy threat levels. If available threat data is insufficient to adequately assess the threat,
additional data should be requested. Commanders should consider not only
capabilities of dedicated CSAR forces, but also capabilities of other available
resources. The threat environment defines the enemys ability to detect and
lethally engage rescue aircraft. The threat environment is divided into three
general intensity levels: low, medium, and high.
J Low. The low threat environment contains widely scattered, thinly
concentrated enemy forces and assets with a limited reconstitution capability. Weapon systems may include small arms, light optically aimed antiaircraft artillery (AAA) up to .50 caliber (12.7mm equivalent), rocket-propelled grenades, and hand-held infrared SAMs. Tactics

HIGH

FULLY INTEGRATED ADS

LOOK-DOWN/SHOOT-DOWN AIRCRAFT
MODERN EARLY WARNING RADARS
ADVANCED SAMS

MEDIUM

PARTIALLY INTEGRATED ADS

AIRCRAFT W/O LOOK DOWN/SHOOT DOWN

RADAR/ELECTRO-OPTICAL ACQUISITION
EARLY GENERATION SAMS

LOW
HAND-HELD IR SAMS

OTHER ASSETS REQUIRED

TO DEGRADE THREATS

EXTENSIVE PLANNING
PASSIVE/ACTIVE
COUNTERMEASURES

MORE DETAILED PLANNING

LIGHT OPTICALLY GUIDED AAA

RESCUE ALERT FORCES
PASSIVE COUNTERMEASURES

ROCKET PROPELLED GRENADES

MINIMAL PLANNING

SMALL ARMS

Figure 4.2. Threat Categories and Planning Considerations

20

and techniques employed by friendly forces do not normally require significant planning measures prior to launch and the environment permits operations using passive countermeasures to
avoid detection and engagement by enemy forces.
J Medium. The medium threat environment contains significant threats;
the concentration, mobility, and types of enemy weapons employed
normally require both passive and active measures to avoid or
degrade the threats and prevent subsequent engagement. Weapons systems typically include low-threat systems, early generations
SAMs, and aircraft lacking look-down, shoot-down capability. CSAR
forces should expect to conduct extensive premission and on-alert planning. During mission prosecution, tasked units should expect to employ extensive threat avoidance tactics and evasive techniques,
onboard countermeasure and defensive systems, external threat
suppression or force protection aircraft (RESCAP, RESCORT, electronic attack), and night operations to preclude lethal engagement. The enemy may possess limited radar and electrooptical acquisition and engagement capability at medium ranges and a moderately
Integrated Air Defense System (IADS).

Koh Tang Island during the Mayaguez Incident

nder intense fire, the marines began boarding the chopper, two-bytwo. A pair would rise from their position near the trees, fire a few
rounds into the jungle, dash to the choppers ramp, turn and empty their M16s at the enemy infested underbrush, then toss their rifles into the helicopter and scramble toward the front. One of the first pair of leathernecks aboard,
in a hurry to get to the forward part of the cabin, ripped out the intercom
system. From that point Captain Backlund, working the controls, had no way
of communicating with his pararescuemen and flight mechanics supervising
the loading in the rear. SSgt Harry W. Cash, the flight mechanic manning the
rear ramp minigun, was blasting the jungle to provide covering fire for the
retreating marines. He yelled into his intercom when the last two leathernecks
leaped aboard. In the cockpit Backlund heard nothing. He held the precarious hover. Cash and the other crewmen in the rear yelled into their dead
headsets for Backlund to pull up and away. Up front Captain Backlund wondered what was taking so long as he listened to enemy bullets pelting his
chopper. Sergeant Cash saw black clad figures emerging from the jungle and
swung his minigun to chop them down. One of the figures drew back to toss
a grenade. As his arm started forward Cashs stream of fire sliced him in two.
The grenade rolled toward the helicopter and exploded. With that Backlund
decided that loaded or not it was time to go. Jolly Green 11 moved forward a
few yards and then climbed.
Earl H. Tilford, Jr.
Search and Rescue in Southeast Asia

21

J High. The high threat environment contains hostile forces over a

wide area of coverage, densely concentrated, and capable of rapid
reconstitution and mobility. Enemy weaponry includes advanced
or late generation SAMs, modern ground-based radar, early warning
systems, electronic counter-countermeasures, integrated AAA, and aircraft with look-down, shoot-down capabilities. High threat environments
are characterized by fully integrated air defense systems, command and control networks, and electronic warfare capabilities
that seriously diminish air support capabilities. Ground-based systems
may be hardened and difficult to destroy or render ineffective. Operations in the high threat environment require extensive and detailed
mission planning and force packaging to defeat or degrade the
threat. Detection by modern ground-based radar and IADS will likely result in lethal engagement of CSAR forces.

EMPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS
The Air Force should consider the capabilities of the host nation, other
Services, functional components, and multinational forces during all
phases of CSAR mission planning. In relatively low threat environments, resources may respond to rescue taskings with a minimum
amount of mission planning. Operations in medium threat environments normally require timely, accurate intelligence, and more
extensive mission planning. The time required to conduct premission
planning can be significantly reduced for CSAR alert crews when real
time intelligence data is available and continuously updated through theater information systems. Missions into high threat environments require significant degradation of the enemy threat and will require
intensive mission planning and large force packaging by CSAR forces
or be turned over to other forces trained and equipped to operate
in high threat areas to ensure successful combat rescue operations. When
used, CSARTF packages require closely coordinated planning to properly
integrate the effort. The JFC can direct precautionary CSAR coverage
(within a limited geographic area) in advance of a major operation. To
facilitate recovery, combat aircrews should be knowledgeable of the rescue process, to include EPA preparation, identified selected areas for evasion (SAFE), and proper evasion tactics and techniques.

MISSION PLANNING
The enemy threat level requires thorough mission planning interfaced with real time threat information and precise command

22

and control coordination. The Air Force Mission Support System (AFMSS)
may be used to optimize planning effectiveness, however, all available information tools must be used to assure the best possible understanding of the
situation. The specific information necessary for premission planning and
making the launch decision includes threat, weather, terrain, the objective, codes and authentication, safe passage corridors, and air refueling
points. Direct communications with AOCs, the JSRC, multinational RCCs,
and wing operations centers is essential. This direct communication is
even more critical if augmentation of additional air resources such as
formation of a CSARTF is warranted.

LOCATING ISOLATED PERSONNEL

Regardless of the threat level, friendly forces should locate and authenticate isolated personnel before committing CSAR forces to
operating environments that present risk. Several methods exist to
determine location such as theater electronic surveillance, reconnaissance,
command and control aircraft, global satellites, wingman reports, and
battlefield radar control posts and centers. Recovery vehicles, fixed-wing
CSAR assets, and RESCORT aircraft equipped with personnel locator systems can also pinpoint the isolated personnels position when isolated
personnel are equipped with specialized communications devices.

SEARCH OPERATIONS
The concept of combat search associated with Air Force CSAR
should be considered extremely limited in scope. In most cases, the
search will be primarily electronic. The vulnerability of rescue resources in
a threat environment precludes extended aerial search operations in all but a
permissive environment. Air Force rescue efforts will be primarily dedicated to recovering isolated personnel from previously identified geographic positions.

AUTHENTICATION
During combat operations, the recovery of isolated personnel can
depend on early authentication. Isolated personnel will normally not
be recovered until their identity has been positively confirmed. An effective authentication system is essential to protect CSAR forces from enemy entrapment; therefore, authentication data must be strictly controlled and used
in a manner that maintains security and viability. CSAR assets are extremely
vulnerable during the recovery phase and need exact and reliable authentica23

tion information. Extreme care should be taken by the isolated personnel

and the rescue forces to ensure authentication information is never compromised. The information should be used in a manner that allows CSAR
forces to continue to authenticate isolated personnel over extended periods. There are a number of means to authenticate isolated personnel in
hostile environments, including ISOPREP data, ATO code words, letters,
numbers, and visual signals. These procedures are detailed in Joint Pub
350.21. Theater or area of responsibility procedures should be published
in appropriate directives, OPLANs, and/or SPINs.

RISK MANAGEMENT
Combat rescue is inherently a risky business. Although risk can never
be fully eliminated, it can be effectively managed and limited
through a combination of careful planning, proactive troubleshooting, and the application of common sense techniques. The formal
process of risk management includes: identifying the hazards; assessing the
risks and benefits (and looking at things that will reduce the risk); deciding
what to do; acting on the decision; and then reviewing the decision consequences and adjusting for the next time.
Theater, joint force, component or Service, and individual unit commanders set the tone for CSAR operations. CSAR operations should be
planned during initial and follow-on phases of all military operations where hostile actions might occur. Additionally, successful CSAR
operations require detailed threat analysis, cost-benefit considerations,
and prioritization in the same manner as other military operations. The
enemy may use unrecovered personnel as leverage to influence outcomes
within an operation or campaign. CSAR operations should not:
J Unduly risk isolating additional personnel,
J Routinely expose unique, high value assets to extreme risk, or
J Allow the overall military situation to deteriorate.
Commanders at all levels should weigh the possibility of recovering
isolated personnel and the psychological impact of those aware of the efforts
(benefit) against the potential loss of additional resources and the
impact of possibly diverting resources from ongoing combat operations
(cost), before authorizing a CSAR effort. It is often a challenge to commanders to ensure that blind enthusiasm does not supplant professional

24

risk management considerations. Air Force RCCs should develop standing CSAR risk decision matrices in conjunction with JSRCs, tailored to
current threat analyses, to assist planners and commanders in the decision-making effort. Figure 4.3 provides a representative decision flow chart
to assist further in this evaluation.

CSAR
REQUIREMENT

RISK
ASSESSMENT
RCC
NO
UNIT
CAPABILITIES
RISK
ASSESSMENT
YES
JSRC
CONDUCT
RESCUE

NO
COMPONENT
CAPABILITIES

NO

RISK
ASSESSMENT

YES

SUCCESSFUL

CONDUCT
RESCUE

NO
JOINT
CAPABILITIES

YES
TERMINATE

NO

YES

SUCCESSFUL

CONDUCT
RESCUE
YES
TERMINATE

NO
SUCCESSFUL

NOTE: The RCC s hould be notified of

all component CSAR acti vities.

YES
TERMINATE

Figure 4.3. Typical CSAR Decision Flow

25

EXTERNAL
SUPPORT

26

CHAPTER FIVE

CSAR PLANNING
AND SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS
Alert! Alert! Rescue helicopters needed immediately.
Wounded soldiers in the jungle must be evacuated. Enemy closing in.
CSAR Scramble Call
Bien Hoa, 1966

OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
CSAR is integral to combat operations and must be considered across
the full range of military operations. The dynamic nature of CSAR
operations and the need for flexibility dictates careful integration
into the air campaign and clear delineation in the ATO. CSAR operations should be coordinated throughout the JAOC and with other component liaisons, to include the battlefield coordination detachment (BCD),
the naval and amphibious liaison element (NALE), and the special operations liaison element (SOLE). Air Force personnel conducting or supporting CSAR operations should be thoroughly familiar with the rules of engagement. This is especially critical when conducting SAR or CSAR operations during MOOTW. During these operations, organizational structures and responsibilities may not be as clearly defined as during war,
thereby increasing the potential for confusion.

INTELLIGENCE
Successful CSAR operations require timely and accurate intelligence
support. Since the Air Force rescue mission is worldwide, the intelligence support function should be an integral part of RCCs and
rescue units. Intelligence specialists should be assigned to, and deploy with,
RCCs and operational rescue units and arrangements made for theater intelligence support. The threat level en route to and at the objective area
determines the appropriate CSAR response, including tactics, personnel,
force composition, and support. Intelligence personnel must continuously
update known and suspected enemy ground, air, and sea threats to CSAR
forces. In addition, they must be familiar with the target areas geography
27

and the local populations social and political climate. Rescue missions place
unique requirements on mission planning and require intelligence personnel
knowledgeable in rescue operations (especially in the low-altitude regime) to
include RCC and JSRC operations, SAR SPINS, and national systems and
capabilities that can assist in CSAR. Since threat information changes rapidly, intelligence personnel should have access to near-real-time (NRT)
intelligence from MAJCOM, theater, or national sources and should be
able to immediately relay situational updates to inflight crews. Routine
time-consuming intelligence functions should be automated and mission
planning systems should interface with intelligence databases. These include, but are not limited to, threat analysis, targeting, collection management, and order-of-battle data.

GLOBAL GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES

Maps and charts, digitized Global Geospatial Information And
Services (GGI&S) products, and precise geodetic coordinates are
critical to mission planning and should have accuracy commensurate with CSAR requirements and weapon systems supporting the
operation. Intelligence personnel and mission planners must work closely
with operations personnel to determine GGI&S requirements and priorities. Short notice GGI&S requirements can normally be processed by deployed transmission capabilities, such as the Combat Information System
and the Contingency Theater Automated Planning System.

COMMUNICATIONS
Rapid, reliable, and secure communication is one of the most critical
elements of a successful CSAR operation. All CSAR forces should be
able to communicate with a minimum of interference, intrusion,
or probability of intercept. JSRCs and RCCs should have access to dedicated communication systems when integrated within the JAOC or AOC.
Communication systems should provide redundant capabilities for secure
intertheater and intratheater data and voice transmission. Knowledge of
the enemys communication equipment and procedures could facilitate
effective use of the communication spectrum. All personnel should employ communications deception countermeasures to degrade a potential
intruders effectiveness. The keys to optimum use of communications are
planning, coordination, and brevity. Brevity words and terminology can be
found in Air Force Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (AFTTP) (formerly

28

Multi-Command Manual) 31, Volume I; theater directives; and tasking

orders. Communication planning requires integrating theater, component,
and unit operating instructions and execution checklists. Successful contact procedures require thoroughly developed and coordinated planning,
established contact procedures, and timely execution. Communicationsout procedures, or procedures for handling situations when communications are disrupted or personnel/units are unexpectedly out of contact,
are often warranted but should be commensurate with the enemys signal intelligence capability. The CSAR plan must provide alternate means
of communications and actions to be taken in case of equipment or communications failure during any phase of mission execution.

SUPPORT PLANNING
Early identification of CSAR requirements and inclusion in the
force enhancement/force deterrent option (FE/FDO) and/or timephased force and deployment data (TPFDD) are keys to sustaining
support. During crisis action and deliberate planning, Air Force CSAR
planners should ensure CSAR unit type codes (UTC) and other logistics
considerations are included in the operations plan or operations order
FE/FDO and/or TPFDD as applicable. This will ensure adequate preliminary crisis action and sustainment planning is conducted by the theater
or joint force logistics staff and flowed by the Joint Operation Planning
and Execution System (JOPES) to meet operational requirements and priorities.
Deployment Characteristics
Air Force CSAR forces should have the ability to execute timesensitive deployments and to deploy as deliberately planned elements of an Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force (ASETF). Deploying forces should be able to respond and function in an environment
with the strictest operations security (OPSEC) considerations. Dedicated
rescue forces are mobile, flexible, and responsive, and can deploy with organic
maintenance and logistic support with minimal notification when adequately
supported by Mobility Readiness Spares Packages. Rotary-wing aircraft may
self-deploy for distances less than 1,200 nautical miles (may require refueling) but should be airlifted for greater distances. Fixed-wing aircraft selfdeploy configured for combat. Maintenance and support personnel and
associated equipment require airlift support or surface transportation.

29

Air Force RCC Mobility Requirements

Since most CSAR operations involve operating from deployed locations,
Air Force planners should consider establishing a deployable mobility
package to provide the needed personnel to conduct RCC or JSRC operations. The standard Air Force UTC for an AOC should include SAR mission controllers and duty officers, communications support personnel,
and associated communications and computer equipment to support the
RCC. This UTC must be capable of providing 24-hour CSAR operations
and, in many cases, will form the nucleus of the theater joint force
commanders JSRC.

OPERATIONS SECURITY
Security of information is vital to CSAR forces from initial planning
stages through recovery and mission termination. OPSEC denies the enemy information about friendly capabilities and intentions, including advance notice of mission unique training, joint preparations, deployment,
and employment. OPSEC should be carefully considered throughout
the CSAR planning and execution phases by identifying, controlling, and protecting indicators and actions associated with the operation. Failure to implement an effective OPSEC program could result
in mission compromise and loss of personnel and resources.

MILITARY DECEPTION
Commanders and operations planners should consider including military deception in deployment and battle plans and individual missions.
Military deception techniques should be employed early in the
planning process to effectively support objectives and enhance
overall mission success rates. Military deception may help commanders sustain operational security and attain surprise by causing an adversary to misallocate combat and support resources in terms of time, place,
or quantity. Military deception planning processes should parallel and
complement the normal sequence of operations planning actions.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

Air Force CSAR forces require timely and accurate weather support during all phases of planning, deployment, employment, and
redeployment. This allows CSAR forces to use weather conditions to
their advantage. Temperature, barometric pressure, precipitation, humid30

ity, ground and low-level flight visibility, predicted winds, fog, cloud cover,
radio frequency propagation, sensor detection ranges, and other hazards
to recovery forces and the isolated personnel greatly impact CSAR planning and execution. Normally, the AMC monitors and tracks weather;
however, this is a shared responsibility of all elements participating in a
CSAR operation. The AMC or other assets can conserve valuable combat
resources by advising the RCC or JSRC of adverse weather conditions.

ASTRONOMICAL CONDITIONS
Astronomical conditions, including sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moon
phase, predicted ambient light, and hydrographic data affect CSAR operations much the same as weather data. Astronomical conditions play
an important role in the timing and tempo of CSAR operations and
should be considered critical planning factors for CSAR operations.

SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Commanders can best preserve CSAR capability by minimizing
unnecessary risk of specialized personnel, equipment, and materiel. Safety staffs should be immediately notified of hazards associated
with employing weapon systems. Corrective actions must be carefully
balanced to satisfy operational and training requirements while meeting
mission objectives.

TECHNOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Effective Air Force CSAR capability is critically dependent on
the most modern technology. It is imperative CSAR forces be equipped
with state-of-the-art weapons; interoperable and scalable C4I systems;
space-based navigation aids; and personnel locator systems to ensure continuous and total integration with other combat operations.

31

32

CHAPTER SIX

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

War is not an affair of chance. A great deal of knowledge,
study, and meditation is necessary to conduct it well.
Frederick the Great

COMMANDERS RESPONSIBILITIES
To optimize weapon system employment, each crewmember should
have a thorough understanding of mission planning and execution by joint
forces. The success of CSAR operations is directly proportional to, and
dependent upon, effectiveness of the tactics training programs. The following points are crucial:
J Commanders should take an active role in evaluating local training programs to ensure aircrew training and proficiency levels meet combat readiness requirements. They should also ensure that unit CSAR training programs support joint CSAR interoperability concepts, are integrated with
other forces, and that training and exercise programs are realistic and
effective.
J Flight discipline, crew coordination, mission planning, and mutual
support of participating CSAR forces are essential to effective Air Force
combat rescue force employment. The Joint Pub 350 series, this document, and applicable related Service and AFTTP instructions provide
a background for developing these fundamentals. Commanders should
ensure CSAR aircrews, planners, and support personnel are thoroughly familiar with the principles outlined in these documents and can apply them
at the operational and tactical level.

AIRCREWS
Air Force aircrew members should be prepared to assist rescue
forces by ensuring they are familiar with CSAR tactics, techniques,
and procedures, and personal survival techniques. All rescue
crewmembers should receive combat survival training and threat systems
capabilities and limitations training on a recurring basis. CAF aircrews
33

are trained to respond to CSAR as their aircraft capabilities permit and a

limited number of fighter/attack aircraft pilots receive SANDY training.
All Air Force crewmembers receive survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE), and water survival training.

RCC CONTROLLERS
RCC controllers are the focal point for coordinating CSAR assets
and supporting forces. All RCC controllers should complete a locally
developed, CSARoriented, mission management course in addition to
the Joint Combat Search and Rescue Coordinators Course. Other training
oriented towards search and rescue, including the Inland SAR and Maritime SAR courses taught by the Coast Guard, is also desirable. Additionally, personnel who may command and control CSAR operations should
consider attending appropriate US Air Force battle management courses
and the Air Force Joint Doctrine Air Campaign Course. These courses
teach development of air campaign plans, including integration of CSAR
operations.

EXERCISES
To ensure interoperability and a smooth transition to combat,
Air Force CSAR staffs and forces should conduct exercises with
augmentation personnel and forces on a regular basis. Commanders
at all levels should participate in these exercises to familiarize themselves with
the complexities and details of CSAR doctrine and operations. The top priorities are Joint Chiefs of Staff field training exercises (FTX) and CAF Flag
Exercises allowing for joint operations and employment of the air component RCC and Air Force flying units. The second priority is to participate
in command post exercises allowing for RCC employment and emphasizing command, control, communications, and intelligence coordination
procedures. These exercises provide invaluable experience for RCC controllers, which is normally not available during FTX participation. The
CAF exercise schedules include both active duty and air reserve component (ARC) forces and are coordinated at exercise planning conferences.

SUMMARY
CSAR represents an important application of aerospace power across a
range of military operations. It is a key element in sustaining the morale, cohesion, and fighting capability of friendly forces. Consisting
of those air operations conducted to recover distressed personnel at all
34

levels of conflict, CSAR preserves critical combat resources while denying the enemy a potential intelligence source.
CSAR represents a total force team of active duty, AFRC, and ANG
units throughout the CAF. During contingencies these forces may be provided to the JFC who normally delegates planning and execution authority for Air Force CSAR to the COMAFFOR who in turn establishes an RCC
to coordinate all CSAR activities.
A CSAR operation typically progresses through deliberate stages
designed to locate, contact, and recover personnel while minimizing the risk to CSAR assets. Though risk is inherent in CSAR operations, CSAR forces employ specially configured platforms designed to operate in hostile or denied environments as well as specialized tactics to
minimize vulnerability to threats. Frequently, CSAR forces operate within
a mutually supporting aircraft package that may include airborne command and control, armed escort, combat air patrol, and air refueling support. Whether operating alone or in a large package, CSAR assets represent a specialized application of aerospace power integral to US combat
operations.

At the very Heart of Warfare lies doctrine

35

36

SUGGESTED READINGS
Stephen Brewster Daniels, Rescue from the Skies: The Story of the Airborne
Lifeboats (Seven Hills Publishing). 1996.
Norman L. R. Franks, Another Kind of Courage: Stories of the UK-based Walrus
Air-Sea Rescue Squadrons (Sparkford Press). 1994.
W. T. Grant, Wings of the Eagle: A Kinsmens Story (Ivy Books). 1994.
Wallace R. Hansen, Greenlands Icy Fury (Texas A & M University Press).
1994.
Mary Pat Kelly, Good to Go: The Rescue of Captain Scott OGrady, USAF,
from Bosnia (Naval Institute Press). 1996.
Malcolm McConnell, Into the Mouth of the Cat: The Story of Lance Sijan,
Hero of Vietnam (Replica Publishing). 1997.
Robinson Risner, The Passing of the Night: My Seven Years as a Prisoner of
the North Vietnamese (Ballantine Books). 1992
Paul B. Ryan, The Iranian Rescue Mission: Why It Failed (Naval Institute
Press). 1985.
L. B. Taylor, That Others May Live: The Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service (Dutton Press). 1967.
Earl H. Tilford, Search and Rescue in Southeast Asia, 19611975 (Office of
Air Force History). 1980.
George J. Veith, Code Name Brightlight: The Untold Story of US POW Rescue
Efforts During the Vietnam War (Free Press). 1998.
Darrel D. Whitcomb, The Rescue of Bat 21 (Naval Institute Press). 1998.
John Winton, For Those in Peril: Fifty Years of Royal Navy Search and Rescue (R. Hale Publishing).

37

GLOSSARY
Abbreviations and Acronyms
AAA
AAF
ABCCC
ACC
ADS
AFDD
AFMSS
AFRC
AFSOC
AMC
ANG
AOC
AOR
ARC
ARRS
ARS
ASETF
ATO
AWACS

antiaircraft artillery
Army Air Force
airborne battlefield command and control center
Air Combat Command
air defense system
Air Force Doctrine Document
Air Force Mission Support System
Air Force Reserve Command
Air Force Special Operations Command
airborne mission commander
Air National Guard
air operations center
area of responsibility
air reserve components
Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service
Air Rescue Service
Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force
air tasking order
Airborne Warning and Control System

BCD

battlefield coordination detachment

C4I
CAF
CAP
CAS
CINC
CJCS
COCOM
COMACC
COMAFFOR
CONUS
CRAF
CSAR
CSARTF

command, control, communications, computers,

and intelligence
Combat Air Forces
combat air patrol
close air support
commander in chief
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
combatant command (command authority)
Commander, Air Combat Command
Commander, Air Force Forces
continental United States
Civil Reserve Air Fleet
combat search and rescue
combat search and rescue task force

DCM

downed crewmember

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DOD
E&R
EPA
EWO

Department of Defense
evasion and recovery
evasion plan of action
electronic warfare officer

FAC
FE/FDO
FLIR
FTX

forward air controller

force enhancement/force deterrent option
forward-looking infrared
field training exercise

GGI&S

global geospatial information and services

IADS
IR
ISOPREP

Integrated Air Defense System

infrared
isolated personnel report

JAOC
JFACC
JFC
JFSOCC
JOPES
JSRC
JSTARS
JTF
JTTP

joint air operations center

joint force air component commander
joint force commander
joint force special operations component commander
Joint Operation Planning and Execution System
joint search and rescue center
joint surveillance, target attack radar system
joint task force
joint tactics, techniques, and procedures

MAC
MAJCOM
MOOTW

Military Airlift Command

major command
military operations other than war

NAF
NALE
NEO
NRT

numbered air force

naval and amphibious liaison element
noncombatant evacuation operation
near-real-time

OPCON
OPLAN
OPSEC
OSC

operational control
operation plan
operations security
on-scene commander

PACAF
PJ
POW
PR

Pacific Air Forces

individual pararescue specialist
prisoner of war
personnel recovery

39

pub

publication

RCC
RESCAP
RESCORT

rescue coordination center

rescue combat air patrol
rescue escort

SAFE
SAM
SANDY
SAR
SARDO
SEAD
SecDef
SERE
SOLE
SPINS
STT

selected area for evasion

surface-to-air missile
call sign of a specially trained and dedicated rescue
escort
search and rescue
search and rescue duty officer
suppression of enemy air defenses
Secretary of Defense
survival, evasion, resistance, and escape
special operations liaison element
special instructions
special tactics team

TACON
TPFDD

tactical control
time-phased force and deployment data

USAF
USAFE
UTC

United States Air Force

United States Air Forces in Europe
unit type code

W/O

without

Definitions
airborne mission commanderThe commander serves as an airborne
extension of the executing components rescue coordination center (RCC)
and coordinates the combat search and rescue (CSAR) effort between the
combat search and rescue task force (CSARTF) and the RCC (or joint search
and rescue center) by monitoring the status of all CSARTF elements, requesting additional assets when needed, and ensuring the recovery and
supporting forces arrive at their designated areas to accomplish the CSAR
mission. The AMC may be designated by the component RCC or higher
authority. The AMC appoints, as necessary, an on-scene commander. Also
called AMC. (Joint Pub 350.21, approved for inclusion in next edition of
Joint Pub 102)
combat search and rescueA specific task performed by rescue forces
to effect the recovery of distressed personnel during war or military operations other than war. Also called CSAR. (Joint Pub 102) See also personnel recovery.
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combat search and rescue mission coordinatorThe designated person or organization selected to direct and coordinate support for a specific combat search and rescue mission. Also called CSAR mission coordinator. (Joint Pub 102)
evasion and escapeThe procedures and operations whereby military
personnel and other selected individuals are enabled to emerge from an
enemy-held or hostile area to areas under friendly control. (Joint Pub 102)
evasion and recoveryThe full spectrum of coordinated actions carried
out by evaders, recovery forces, and operational recovery planners to effect the successful return of personnel isolated in hostile territory to
friendly control. Also called E&R. (Joint Pub 102)
isolated personnelMilitary or civilian personnel that have become separated from their unit or organization in an environment requiring them to
survive, evade, or escape while awaiting rescue or recovery. (Joint Pub 102)
isolated personnel reportA DOD Form (DD 1833) which contains information designed to facilitate the identification and authentication of
an evader by a recovery force. Also called ISOPREP. See also authentication; evader; recovery force. (Joint Pub 102)
joint force air component commanderThe joint force air component commander derives authority from the joint force commander who
has the authority to exercise operational control, assign missions, direct
coordination among subordinate commanders, redirect and organize forces
to ensure unity of effort in the accomplishment of the overall mission.
The joint force commander will normally designate a joint force air component commander. The joint force air component commanders responsibilities will be assigned by the joint force commander (normally these
would include, but not be limited to, planning, coordination, allocation,
and tasking based on the joint force commanders apportionment decision). Using the joint force commanders guidance and authority, and in
coordination with other Service component commanders and other assigned or supporting commanders, the joint force air component commander will recommend to the joint force commander apportionment of
air sorties to various missions or geographic areas. Also called JFACC.
(Joint Pub 102)
joint search and rescue centerA primary search and rescue facility
suitably staffed by supervisory personnel and equipped for planning, co-

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ordinating, and executing joint search and rescue and combat search and
rescue operations within the geographical area assigned to the joint force.
The facility is operated jointly by personnel from two or more Service or
functional components or it may have a multinational staff of personnel
from two or more allied or coalition nations (multinational search and
rescue center). The joint search and rescue center should be staffed equitably by trained personnel drawn from each joint force component, including US Coast Guard participation where practical. Also called JSRC.
(Joint Pub 102)
military deceptionActions executed to deliberately mislead adversary
military decision makers as to friendly military capabilities, intentions,
and operations, thereby causing the adversary to take specific actions (or
inactions) that will contribute to the accomplishment of the friendly mission. The five categories of military deception are: a. strategic military
deceptionMilitary deception planned and executed by and in support
of senior military commanders to result in adversary military policies
and actions that support the originators strategic military objectives, policies, and operations. b. operational military deceptionMilitary deception planned and executed by and in support of operational-level commanders to result in adversary actions that are favorable to the originators
objectives and operations. Operational military deception is planned and
conducted in a theater of war to support campaigns and major operations. c. tactical military deceptionMilitary deception planned and
executed by and in support of tactical commanders to result in adversary
actions that are favorable to the originators objectives and operations.
Tactical military deception is planned and conducted to support battles
and engagements. d. Service military deceptionMilitary deception
planned and executed by the Services that pertain to Service support to
joint operations. Service military deception is designed to protect and
enhance the combat capabilities of Service forces and systems. e. military deception in support of operations security (OPSEC)Military
deception planned and executed by and in support of all levels of command to support the prevention of the inadvertent compromise of sensitive or classified activities, capabilities, or intentions. Deceptive OPSEC
measures are designed to distract foreign intelligence away from, or provide cover for, military operations and activities. (Joint Pub 102)
on-scene commanderThe person designated to coordinate the rescue
efforts at the rescue site. Also called OSC. (Joint Pub 102)

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pararescue teamSpecially trained personnel qualified to penetrate to

the site of an incident by land or parachute, render medical aid, accomplish survival methods, and rescue survivors. (Joint Pub 102)
personnel recoveryThe aggregation of military, civil, and political efforts to obtain the release or recovery of personnel from uncertain or
hostile environments and denied areas whether they are captured, missing, or isolated. That includes U.S., allied, coalition, friendly military, or
paramilitary, and others as designated by the National Command Authorities. Personnel Recovery (PR) is the umbrella term for operations that are
focused on the task of recovering captured, missing, or isolated personnel
from harms way. PR includes, but is not limited to, theater search and
rescue; combat search and rescue; survival, evasion, resistance, and escape; evasion and recovery; and the coordination of negotiated as well as
forcible recovery options. PR can occur through military action, action by
nongovernmental organizations, other US Government-approved action,
and/or diplomatic initiatives, or through any combination of these. Also
called PR. (Joint Pub 350.21, approved for inclusion in next edition of
Joint Pub 102)
rescue coordination centerA primary search and rescue facility suitably staffed by supervisory personnel and equipped for coordinating and
controlling search and rescue and/or combat search and rescue operations. The facility is operated unilaterally by personnel of a single Service
or component. For Navy component operations, this facility may be called
a rescue coordination team. Also called RCC (or RCT for Navy component). (Joint Pub 102)
special tactics teamAn Air Force team composed primarily of special
operations combat control and pararescue personnel. The team supports
joint special operations by selecting, surveying, and establishing assault
zones; providing assault zone terminal guidance and air traffic control;
conducting direct action missions; providing medical care and evacuation; and, coordinating, planning, and conducting air, ground, and naval
fire support operations. Also called STT. (Joint Pub 102)

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